Fort Myers–Naples, Florida Media Landscape Overview

This Southwest Florida DMA spans tourism, real estate, healthcare, and retail. Broadcasters emphasize hurricanes, storm surge, flooding, transportation, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with WGCU/PBS and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for hurricanes, red tide/air quality, and extreme heat.

FCC translators serve barrier islands and inland communities; universities and civic groups collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST extend reach; push alerts and SMS support evacuations and closures.

Broadband/5G growth supports seasonal residents; libraries and schools bolster media literacy and device access.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliates: Local news, weather, investigations, and sports.
• WGCU/PBS: Educational/cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• Telemundo/Univision: Spanish‑language news and entertainment.
• Ion/MeTV (subs): Procedurals/classic TV.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous forecasts and radar.
• Local access: Public meetings and community programs.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member stations: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Commute and alerts.
• Country: Local hosts and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• Spanish‑language: Music and outreach.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach; push alerts support hurricane tracking, evacuations, and road advisories.

Agencies and tourism/health systems use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for advisories and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for storms and local sports; drive‑time radio retains commuters and seasonal residents.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across coastal and inland communities.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rate highly; clear, accessible updates broaden reach.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during hurricane season and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, tourism/community services, health, and lifestyle perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://wgcu.org/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2025/the-gauge-may-2025/
• https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/broadcast-ownership